Students must initiate the process by requesting the DSO at their academic institution to recommend a 17-month STEM OPT extension. The DSO makes the recommendation by endorsing the student’s Form I-20 and by making the appropriate notation in SEVIS. Students then submit the endorsed I-20 to USCIS along with their EAD application and supporting documents to USCIS. The 17-month Stem Extension OPT is adjudicated (approved) by the USCIS through the issuance of an EAD.